An efficient stereoselective synthesis of 1-iodo- or 1-phenyl selenenyl-2-aryl-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane via electrophilic cyclization of benzyl-2-arylmethylidenecyclopropylmethyl-amines

The reaction of benzyl-2-arylmethylidenecyclopropylmethyl-amine 1 with iodine in the presence of potassium carbonate or PhSeBr stereoselectively gives ring-closure product 1-iodo-2-aryl-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane or 1-phenylselenenyl-2-aryl-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane in good yields at room temperature. A plausible reaction mechanism has been proposed.